Honda Ridgeline Is the North American Truck of the Year
Resurrected as a unibody pickup truck with more traditional styling, the Honda Ridgeline took the title of 2017 North American Truck of the Year. That’s newsworthy as it’s the first time since 2006 that a non-premium import vehicle has taken the title. Coincidentally, in 2006, it was the Ridgeline that won.
The 2017 Honda Ridgeline returned with a new exterior design, dropping the polarizing side stanchions, but retained popular features like the in-bed trunk, dual-action tailgate, and FWD-based all-wheel drive. The Chevrolet Bolt EV took the title of North American Car of the Year and the Chrysler Pacifica won North American Utility of the Year.
Dodge Demon
A cloud of tire smoke arrived halfway through 2017 with the release of the new Dodge Demon. Officially called the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon, it’s a car with bad intentions that demands attention. The Demon has 808 horsepower from its supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 along with 717 lb-ft of torque. It screams to 60mph in 2.6 seconds, leaving your boxer briefs at the starting line with your stomach.
The Demon is so fast that the NHRA has banned it from racing at its facilities. It tears up the quarter-mile in 9.65 seconds at 140 miles per hour, exceeding the limit for a car without a roll cage. You’ll have to pay $1 extra for an optional interior that contains more than just a driver’s seat.
Electric Car Advancements and Commitments
In 2017, electrification became a major focus. Companies like the beleaguered Volkswagen announced electric versions of each of their cars would be coming in the next few years. Volvo has committed that every model from 2019 on will have an electric motor in it, either as an EV or hybrid. Many other car makers made similar promises.
Technology took a huge step forward too. The Chevy Bolt was released with a 238-mile range, the new Nissan LEAF promises near 200 miles or range, and Tesla says they have a 500-mile range battery coming soon. Fisker plans to release an EV soon with 500 miles of all-electric range too.
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